- 'Captured by spirits' -With so many traditions lost to the past, the Sheedi mela, or festival, at the Mangho Pir shrine has assumed rich significance and been the epicentre of the community in Sindh for centuries. "It attracts the Sheedi community from all over Pakistan," Qanbarani tells AFP. "We celebrate Mangho Pir mela more than Eid," he adds. - Honouring the crocodile -Even this tenuous link to the community's past is in danger of being severed, however. "It is a Sheedi community belief that by honouring the crocodile our whole year will pass in peace, tranquility and prosperity," explains Mohammad.

Source: Sunday Times April 05, 2018 03:22 UTC